From Linear to Nodal Transport Infrastructure. Case Study: Maramureş County. Romania

Vasile ZOTIC1, Viorel PUIU1, Diana-Elena ALEXANDRU1
1 Babeş-Bolyai University, Faculty of Geography, Centre for Research on Settlements and Urbanism, Cluj-Napoca, ROMANIA
E-mail: zoticv@geografie.ubbcluj.ro, viorel_puiu@geografie.ubbcluj.ro, diana.alexandru@geografie.ubbcluj.ro
Pages: 93-102

Abstract. The concept of linearity geometrically individualizes itself as the simplest form of representing the space. It developed, therefore influencing the communication and transport networks even from the beginning, until the end of the 19th century. Conceptually, linearity in transport and communication infrastructure has developed as excessively long networks, without too many nodes, all established on the idea of avoiding areas affected by geomorphologic risks. This manner of developing networks has determined a certain potential of communication exceeding in some areas, while other areas lacking or even becoming isolated. In the 21st century, when technology is able to fight all limits of accessibility, imposed by relief, for the development of infrastructure by constructing tunnels, bridges, a new approach has been established, that of nodal networks. The concept of nodal network in the development of transport and communication provides certain advantages, such as: the assimilation of several linear networks and their connection through nodes, therefore providing access in the territory through a node towards several directions, by using the same type of network or by using other types of infrastructures. Our case study underlines accurately the benefits brought up by passing from the linear to nodal infrastructure and new opportunities for development as its direct result.

K e y w o r d s:  transport and communication infrastructure, linearity, nodal networks, territorial development